Tuesday, 20 March 2012

Off to Pelee

I got in the door about an hour ago from another fantastic expedition to the ponds to primarily look for amphibians. I'll put the photos up eventually when I get the time. Which reminds me, I also need to make a few Scotland and Spain posts from my trip in late February.

Anyways, some highlights from the night include my first American Toad (calling), Northern Leopard Frog (calling) and Gray Treefrogs of the year. These are the earliest I have had all 3 species. I also found a female Four-toed Salamander on territory, the earliest I've had that by a full month! Spring Peeper numbers are up, but very few Chorus Frogs were calling which is a bit worrying.

Several Great Blue Herons were seen which was a year bird for me (surprisingly). We also had Sandhill Cranes, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Meadowlark, Wood Duck etc at dusk and several pairs of Screech-owls calling again.

In a few hours I am leaving for Pelee for three days. The weather forecast is HOT and relatively calm...hopefully I will get a crazy early migrant or too! I would predict a Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, and some cool swallows, but that would be jinxing it....